Stretching Safely in Gymnastics
Gymnasts require more flexibility than the general athlete to perform the necessary skills of their sport. Summertime is a great time to focus on increasing flexibility. Since stretching is an important component of training, it is a good idea to review some of the safest ways to stretch to prevent injury and progress flexibility.
Stretch of the Week: Half Moon Arm Circles
For the final week of August’s dynamic stretching, we will be performing Half Moon Arm Circles. The name is derived from yoga, as the first stage is the Half Moon Pose. You will feel this stretch in the sides of the body, and it will also go through the range of motion of the arm.
Stretch of the Week: Hamstring Extend and Release Stretch
For the fourth week of August’s dynamic stretching, we will be performing the Hamstring Extend and Release Stretch. This stretch is very similar to week three, but will only focus on stretching of the hamstrings and calf muscles.
Stretch of the Week: Lunge to Half Splits
For the third week of our dynamic stretching month, we will be performing the Lunge to Half Splits Stretch. This will stretch the hamstrings as well as the quadriceps muscles.
Stretch of the Week: Seated Cat Cow with Arm Rotation
For week two of our dynamic stretching month we will be performing the Seated Cat Cow with Arm Rotation.
Stretch of the Week: Dynamic Spinal Circles
The Weekly Stretches for August will focus on dynamic stretching. Typically we are doing static stretching, which is the optimal way to increase flexibility in our muscles. However, dynamic stretching shouldn’t be overlooked!
Stretch of the Week: Shoulder Stretch
Week 3! How are your shoulders feeling? Are you stretching daily? Couple times a week? Keep it up! This weeks shoulder stretch will take you through the shoulder’s range of motion from front to back. Again, this is a pretty straight forward stretch. I don’t recommend this stretch for people that have any shoulder injuries where it hurts to bring the arms above the head. (more…)
